Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Lawrence S. Kaplan papers

Inclusive Date(s):

1946-2003

Bulk Date(s):

1951-1993

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Erin Valetine

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Erin Valentine using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2011

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS

Origination:

Kaplan, Lawrence S.

Extent:

10 cubic feet (11 boxes = 10 record storage boxes, 1 phase box)

Physical Location:

10th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0123

Abstract:

Dr. Lawrence S. Kaplan was a well-known historian, specializing in American history and the history of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This collection consists largely of materials Kaplan gathered while at Kent State University as a faculty member of the History Department, founding creator and director of the Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Union Studies, and member of professional historical societies.

Language(s):

The records are in English.

Biography of Lawrence S. Kaplan

Dr. Lawrence S. Kaplan was a world-renowned historian, specializing in American diplomatic history, American politico-military history, and the history of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). He received his undergraduate degree at Colby College, and went on to get his master's degree and doctorate at Yale University. Prior to coming to Kent State University, he was a lecturer in American history at the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut and a historian for the Department of Defense. Dr. Kaplan began his career at Kent State University in 1954 as an instructor of history. Kaplan was named a University professor in 1977 and in 1979 was named the director of the University's Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO Studies at Kent State University. After his retirement from Kent State University in 1993, he remained director emeritus of the Lemnitzer Center. He was also selected to be a Fulbright lecturer three times: teaching American history at the University of Bonn from 1959-1960; at the University of Louvain from 1964-1965; and lecturing on political science at the University of Nice during the summer of 1965. In addition, he served as a visiting professor at the European University Institute in Florence and was a visiting research scholar at the University of London. While at Kent, Kaplan received numerous awards including the Alumni Association's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1967 and the President's Medal in 1986. He also received the Distinguished Service Award and the Outstanding Teaching Award for the Ohio Academy of History. Kaplan served as a consultant for the Historian's Office of the Defense Department and for the National Archives and was also the author of numerous articles and books dealing with American diplomacy and American history. A member of various professional organizations, including SHEAR (Society for Historians of the Early American Revolution) and SHAFR (Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations), Kaplan served as president of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations and the Kent State chapter of the American Association of University Professors. Kaplan died in 2020.

Scope and Content

The Lawrence S. Kaplan papers date from 1916 to 1996, with the bulk of material dated from between 1948 and 1993. Kaplan gathered the majority of these materials while at Kent State University, in his roles as Professor of History, Director of the Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Union Studies and a professional in the field of American history. The collection contains correspondence, research materials, article and book chapter reprints, newspaper and magazine clippings, typescripts for publications and speeches, as well as meeting minutes and supplementary materials. The collection contains a large amount of research material related to the Bricker Amendment. There are also meeting minutes and related materials Kaplan gathered as a member of the University Press Editorial Board.

Statement of Arrangement

The Lawrence S. Kaplan papers are divided into the following series and subseries:

• Series 1: Correspondence
• Series 2: Typescripts
• Series 3: Publications and Reprint Files
• Subseries 3A: Articles and Book Reivews by Kaplan
• Subseries 3B: Article Reprints by Other Authors
• Subseries 3C: Reprint Files
• Series 4: Subject Files
• Series 5: Clippings
• Series 6: Miscellaneous

Restrictions on Use

This collection contains copies and reproductions of copyrighted materials. All pertinent copyright laws apply to reproduction of published materials in the collection; researchers must obtain permission from the copyright holder.

Preferred Citation

Lawrence S. Kaplan papers. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Kaplan, Lawrence S. -- Archives
• Treaty-making power -- United States
• United States -- Foreign relations -- 1945-1989
• United States -- Foreign relations -- 1789-1809
• United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783
• United States -- Foreign relations -- 1783-1815
• United States -- Foreign relations -- Executive agreements
• United States -- Military policy
• International and municipal law -- United States
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization -- History -- 20th century
• Kent (Ohio) -- History

Organizations/Corporations:

• Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations
• Society for Historians of the Early American Republic
• Kent State University. Dept. of History
• Kent State University Press.
• Kent State University. Center for NATO Studies
• Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO Studies
• Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Community Studies
• Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Union Studies

Functions:

• College teaching
• Universities and colleges -- Administration
• Authorship
• Academic writing

Places:

• Kent (Ohio)

Occupations:

• College administrators
• College teachers
• Fulbright scholars
• Historians -- United States
• History teachers

Material Types:

• Administrative records
• Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
• Correspondence
• Instructional materials
• Letters (correspondence)
• Manuscripts for publication
• Minutes
• Periodicals
• Personal correspondence
• Photocopies
• Publications
• Research notes
• Speeches, addresses, etc.
• Typescripts

Detailed Description of the Collection